The tiny island city-state of Singapore packs a lot of diversity into its borders. Malay, Chinese, Indian and Arab commmunities have all left their mark on the city and have each brought their own distinct flavours to the mix.
If it’s your first time in Singapore, this fusion of cultures will keep you intrigued to no end. Go shopping for souvenirs in Chinatown, gather your thoughts at the four-storey Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, check out Little India’s statue-covered Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and stop for some mint tea in the Arabic quarter – all in the space of a day.
Alternatively, take it slow and dedicate a full day to each neighbourhood. Kampong Glam’s maze of bazaars, flea markets and shisha bars shouldn’t be rushed, while Orchard Road is a good place to visit if shopping in luxury malls is high on your agenda.
Singapore is also a leading advocate for climate change. Its spectacular Gardens by The Bay – a huge area of reclaimed land near the Marina – are, quite literally, living proof. These unique green spaces, with their ‘supertrees’ and ‘cloud forests’, show how cities as densely populated as Singapore can be at one with nature.
Travelling to Singapore is very straightforward, with over 100 airlines serving Changi Airport. The best time to visit is in spring, when the greenery is in full bloom.